In episode 135 Cath was joined by coach and author Tamu Thomas. We had a joyful and generative discussion covering so much: overworking, why we do it, how we have to redefine success for ourselves and live in line with our values, envy and comparison, friendship and much more.

Tamu Thomas is an author, keynote speaker, and leadership consultant. She helps high-achieving women stop overworking and redefine success so it fuels their ambition without eroding their quality of life. Her work helps leaders create workplaces people want to be part of where they can do their best work without needing a sabbatical to recover from burnout.

With 15 years in social work and expertise in behaviour change, Tamu brings a unique ability to translate complex human dynamics into practical, organisational strategy. Her approach is informed by Polyvagal Theory and Positive Psychology, helping organisations build cultures where high

performance and wellbeing coexist.

Tamu is known for her work on the biology of belonging, demonstrating how nervous system safety underpins psychological safety, inclusion, and sustainable high performance. She helps leaders understand how culture is experienced in the body, and how signals of safety or threat directly shape

behaviour, retention, innovation, and growth.

She has a rare ability to make complex, often uncomfortable topics feel accessible, engaging, and even joyful, blending science, storytelling, and personal insight to connect with diverse audiences. Her talks create shared understanding, making people feel seen and supported, while delivering

mindset-shifting insights with warmth, clarity, and practical relevance.

She is the author of Women Who Work Too Much, a guide for women ready to stop proving their worth through exhaustion. Her work has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Stylist, Psychologies, Marie Claire, Grazia, and on BBC Sounds.

Tamu works with leaders, founders, and organisations to create cultures where performance is sustainable, people feel seen, and success is measured by more than output alone.

For speaking engagements, leadership consulting, and media enquiries, contact [email protected]

Or follow her on Instagram here.

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